What is "Breaking News?"
I was watching CNN Friday morning while working out and during the newscast, the "Breaking News" logo hit the screen. This breaking news was about the auto bailout and Bush was going to speak at 9AM.
OK, I’m already watching the news which to me is all new information–isn’t that the reason why they call it "news" to begin with? So what the heck is breaking news?" And what does the word "breaking" mean anyway? Did someone break a plate? Now if it was "braking" news, then I guess I would stop in my tracks to listen to what the TelePrompTer had to say.
The fact is, we are conditioned. Watching CNN is not enough. We need "breaking news." We need "alerts." We need "code red" at the airports. We need "sirens" to slow down or stop. We need ! when we want to send a "breaking news" email. And when it’s really breaking and demands our full attention, there is nothing like the "special report."
I think Seinfeld got it right. We used to watch the news on TV to learn about new stuff. We were relaxed in our chair and looked forward to listening. But now, we got one line going right to left with information and we got another line going left to right with information and it’s impossible to read all that and listen at the same time. There is nothing relaxing about watching the news anymore. So to get is out of our stupor, they "break in" and alert us to stop reading and to listen to what they got to say.
I listened to Bush. Was it breaking news? Nope. It was news. Good news indeed. But CNN, Fox and the others will continue to give us breaking news because it elevates our stress levels and we all want to know something that no one else does.
And that my friends, is not breaking news.
Happy Monday!
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Breaking News is the little stories that interrupt the overly long and dramatic weather forcast.
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Breaking news to my children, would be the next winter storm to hit, and moms knee being well enough to take them sledding. I plan to take them sledding on christmas eve, not that I am able to join them in the fun, but thats the plan. Wish us luck!!!!!
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:06 am
I rather listen to the radio; because they have a schedule and the news is only “in-between”. Usually it’s hilarious also with the comments that the DJ’s have and all. Mike in the morning is the best. I rather listen to his news in the mornings than watching CNN and all the braking, special, or exclusive stories.